The International Day against violence towards women was celebrated last week with expressions of solidarity against domestic violence and the mobilisation of both official authorities and non-governmental organisations. It should continue in the coming days.

The “16 days of action against violence” campaign seems to come just at the right time. There has been a 30% rise in domestic violence cases between 1997 and 2003. 1,647 people have complained of being victims of violence last year and, of course, these statistics do not include people who refuse to lodge a complaint.

These statistics may look surprising since the Protection from Domestic Violence Act was voted in 1997 and should have reduced cases of violence. This may be due to lack of action from the legal profession, who don’t always have the time to go through all the details of family affairs. An observer rightly explained how a family court is highly necessary in this context. Meanwhile, the ministry of Women’s and Family welfare has taken the initiative of meeting barristers to try and settle the issue.

The ministry is conscious that cases of violence are increasing and wishes to change the situation as soon as possible but it will need help and cooperation from other institutions. As a result, a partnership protocol was signed with organisations such as the police, prisons, ministries of Education, Health and Social security, the Prevention, Information and Fight against AIDS, Media Watch Organisation, SOS Femmes and the Mauritius Council for Social services. Because it is not just a matter of helping victims but also of treating offenders to avoid the repetition of offences.

At the same time, Amnesty Mauritius decided to celebrate the day by taking to the streets. Settled in Jardin de la Compagnie, they called upon passers-by to come and put their hand prints on a piece of cloth. This was their way of showing a strong sign of solidarity towards victims and a commitment to do their utmost to fight violence. Shakti Callikan, an Amnesty member, explained, “Although this is only a gesture, it at least allows the person who chooses to do it to commit him/herself.”

Many artists and singers came to Jardin de la Compagnie to express their solidarity with victims. Of course, it will take time to bring about change but, thanks to small actions like this, violence might gradually disappear... “It takes time but we try to reach a maximum number of people…” said another member, Mélanie Vigier de Latour.